MAIN BENEFITS/FEATURES/WHY ICF
Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) is a now proven way of creating an eco-friendly, stronger, safer building that’s highly energy efficient, needs minimal maintenance and repair; and one where design possibilities are limitless.
It’s a modern fast-track method of construction suitable for commercial, residential, industrial, institutional, healthcare and a variety of other building types.
Switching from traditional building methods to ICF technology will significantly reduce labour and increase speed of build. ICF offers considerable benefits over both brick and block and timber frame.
Energy Efficiency
ICF Structures greatly reduce air infiltration, which optimises energy performance. Dense concrete is the structural core with layers of insulation providing “thermal mass” benefits keeping the building warm inside in winter and vice versa in summer. Most impressive is the low monthly utility bills from NB Power each month.
Currently in New Brunswick, there is a financial incentive to build more energy efficient green homes. Check out www.saveenergynb.ca for how you can save by building with exterior walls that are R28 or greater.
Speed of Build
Six building steps are completed within one product: form and wall structure, insulation, air and vapour barriers, and the interior and exterior finish anchorage.
Acoustic Performance
ICF structures act as an effective sound barrier, dampening sound vibrations and filtering out unwanted noise and so creating comfortable working or living spaces for occupants. Due to the density and thickness of the concrete cores within the ICF, excellent acoustic insulation is provided.
Fire Resistance
ICF structures offer maximum safety with a fire protection rating of up to four hours. All ICFs provide fire protection in excess of normal requirements. EPS (expanded polystyrene) is manufactured containing a fire-retardant substance, which means the ICF does not support a flame.
Resilience
ICFs are highly suited for ease of build for both complex and curved structures and the same system can be used for below and above grade walls. The solid concrete core provides greater impact resistance and will withstand winds of up to 250 mph. Since ICF systems are concrete framed structures, they can be designed to the relevant codes for earthquake zones and provide successful protection from heavy storms and high winds including hurricanes and tornadoes.
Healthy Indoor Environment
An ICF building will have minimal air leakage as it is a monolithic structure. Studies have shown this will benefit occupants with allergies and chest complaints due to reduced levels of dust and pollen within the property.
Mortgage Insurance Premium Rebate
If you build a home or purchase a home with less than 20% down payment you will have mortgage insurance, which is added to the mortgage. Mortgage Insurance companies are offering a rebate on that premium to the homeowners that buy or build an energy efficient home. Talk to a mortgage insurance provider for details and to ensure your eligibility.
RSI Values
For information on RSI values and the NBC requirements for new home construction, email me and I will send you the tables on the RSI values offered by Logix ICF.